A first book in psychology / by Mary Whiton Calkins.

  • Mary Whiton Calkins
Date:
1910
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A first book in psychology / by Mary Whiton Calkins. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    handkerchief when one has dropped it is an impulsive act following on the consciousness of it as it lies on the ground; to throw one’s handkerchief to the lions (after the fashion of the lady in the poem), that one’s lover may risk his life to snatch it from them, is a volitional act. Or, again, to pick up my cards from the table is an impulsive act, whereas to dis¬ card from a strong and not from a weak suit is a volitional act. The distinction is readily stated. Both perceptual and volitional reaction are conditioned by consciousness; in technical terms, both are ideo-motor acts. But only the volitional, not the perceptual, act is planned or anticipated. I do not say to myself: “ I will drink this coffee, or move this fan,” but the bare sight of coffee or of fan excites the habitual reaction. The perceptual reaction is sometimes, indeed, opposed to my will. For example, I may drink the coffee in spite of having definitely planned to delay coffee-drinking until after taking my tonic; and I may find myself moving my fan, even though I am deeply principled against keeping time to music. A tabular summary of bodily reactions may conveniently conclude this chapter: — BODILY REACTIONS A. Reflex Movements (Immediate: following on stimulus without intervening consciousness.) I. Uncoordinated reactions a. Without consciousness. -Performed. II. Coordinated reactions b. With consciousness. 1. Once performed (Instinctive). 2. Habitual (or Repeated). (a) Instinctive. (.b) Acquired.
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